Memory Tools vs. Real-Time Downhole Gauges For High-Temp

Kiss your flask good-bye! How real-time data acquisition provides a superior solution over memory tools for high-temperature reservoirs.

Understanding True Reservoir Characteristics

Understanding the true characteristics of your reservoir is paramount for long-term success and field development. As we always say,

You can't manage what you don't measure!

Real-time downhole data acquisition is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the energy business. Why? The results of transient pressure tests never fail to surprise stakeholders.

Too often memory tools are pulled too early, with inconclusive results leaving engineers to ponder what would happen if they had only extended the test by a couple of extra hours, days, or sometimes longer. We here at GEO PSI see this often with fracture injectivity and fall-off tests which have significant cots and economic implications. Because of this we can not emphasize enough the importance of collecting high-quality test data.

Quality Test Data For High-Temp

This is even more important for ultra-high temperature applications such as geothermal reservoirs. Even the best electronics found in memory tools do not work well past 200°C (392°F).

Traditionally the memory tools are placed in a thermal vacuum flask to extend their run time. The typical run time life of a flask is 4 to 8 hours, and oftentimes in the real world, the actual run time is even less. Better flasks use nitrogen and helium, but even they still have a very limited run time. They are difficult to set up and the failure rate is very high. Not only that, but the flask also distorts the temperature data that’s being collected, which is an extremely important characteristic of geothermal reservoir development.

Pro's & Con's Of Flask Memory Tools

Pros

Cons

A Superior Solution

GEOTRU-200-Downhole-Gauge-(Web)-GEO-PSI

We have a proven track record of collecting downhole data at temperatures up to 316°C (600°F) continuously for years at a time. The technology was developed for Canadian oil sand steam wells and has proven to be 100% successful.

We use sensor technology originally developed for US military, space, and aeronautical industries to measure critical pressure and temperature data. There are no downhole electronics in our gauges. Instead, the electronics are located at the surface and attached to our industry leading 4mm downhole cable that is temperature rated to 316°C (600°F).

The gauges are fully welded and guaranteed to be leak-free through our rigorous quality controls. We are API and ISO certified and do approximately 150 real-time downhole data projects per month.

Pro's & Con's Of Real-Time GEOTRU Gauges

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

Flasks were useful for years when there was no alternative. However, our GEOTRU real-time data collection system is the best value for high-temperature well tests and provides an incredible long term asset for completion. The value of the extra up-front expenditure is worth it. You can collect more data, run the test longer, and re-use the equipment for years to come. The flask may be cheaper, but there are risks involved and you may not get the data that you need.

We can provide hardware and/or install reliable high-temperature downhole monitoring systems the following ways:

  • Through Tubing Suspended (Wireline)
  • Tubing Conveyed
  • Casing Conveyed (Cemented / Grouted in sensors)

We here at GEO PSI deliver long-term performance at reasonable prices. Contact us today if you would like to know more!

Through Tubing Suspended (Wireline)

Figure 1: Through Tubing Suspended (Wireline) System

Tubing Conveyed

Figure 2: Tubing Conveyed System

Casing Conveyed (Cemented / Grouted in sensors)

Figure 3: Casing Conveyed (Cemented / Grouted in sensors) Systems

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